HOW TO SELECT A PROFESSIONAL RESTORATION COMPANY
What distinguishes one restoration company from another? Should you use the one with the full-page ad in the yellow pages? Should you use one that you have seen on TV?
DISASTER RESTORATION CONSULTING (DRC) was formed to help companies diversify into restoration, or improve their restoration market share. The founder, Joe Pierron, sold his restoration business in 2008 and is now providing assistance to those who want to succeed in this arena. He also still provides restoration services to those with the need.
Joe can help companies improve their operation in many ways. He has Level 3 Xactimate training, using his own license to perform many types of estimates to companies around the country in restoration and Bio-clean up. In 2017 he also became a licensed Property Claims adjuster working as an Independent Property Claims Adjuster. The following checklist will ensure that you are asking the right questions:
Are They Certified?
The company should be certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification), the world’s most recognized body of certification for floor care and restoration companies. A company may be certified, but send a technician to your home or business that is not certified as an individual. Ask if the representative responding to the loss will have IICRC certification in water damage. If so, the technician will have a card that you can check before allowing him/her into your property. An online search can be done to check the status of the certification of the individual and the company.
What Kind Of Experience Do They Have?
Ask how many properties the company restored this year or last year. The company should be able to handle many specialty items. Whether one room or the whole structure is affected, the company's experience should make it one of the most respected restoration companies in the Atlanta region.
Are They Well Educated In Their Field?
Is the company affiliated with the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification), the world’s most recognized body of certification for floor care and restoration companies. All employees performing restoration are required to engage in formal education on an on-going basis.
Members of the company should attend several seminars and conventions throughout the year to stay in touch with the latest research.A professional restorer should be able to answer technical and procedural questions about the disaster. You have a right to know the what, who, why, where, when and how’s. A company representative should be able to explain the effect of water on structural materials and contents. Also, he/she should be able to accurately evaluate temperature, indoor and outdoor humidity and establish an optimum drying system to dry your structure as fast as possible.
Do They Have Good References?
Is the company considered by many to be on of the most reliable restoration companies in the area? Is it often referred by some of the most seasoned professionals in the restoration industry? Does it have several written testimonials from clients that can be viewed on its website?
Are They Insured?
Unfortunately, those calling themselves professionals don’t always follow proper protocol when it comes to licensing and insurance. The company should provide any who ask with copies of licenses and insurance. In the restoration industry some products used are “Restricted Use Pesticides.” In Georgia, companies that use these products are required to carry a Pesticide Contractor’s License.
Do They Guarantee Their Work?
Does it guarantee its workmanship, plain and simple? If there is any part of the work that was not performed according to your expectations, the company should promptly return to your home or business and take care of it. Its reputation is important, as well as your 100% satisfaction.
How Is Their Grooming and Dress?
You should expect professionals arriving at your home to be well groomed, not disheveled looking. It is rare, if ever, that you should see an employee of a well-established restoration company in jeans and sneakers. Professional firms should also outfit their technicians with uniforms. Only in rare cases on large jobs and with scrupulous standards should companies employ outside help to complete a job. The company also wants to know if someone sent to your home or business has done something to offend you or you are uncomfortable with him or her.
Will They Be On Time?
In the majority of our disasters a representative should be able to arrive at your home or place of business within an hour. Obviously, many factors come into play especially if the disaster is from a major storm that has affected many people (or if you are located in an area near traffic routes that are known for heavy congestion). What a professional company won’t do is give false promises about what it can do. Another area about being on time is during the monitoring of the drying process. In many cases a representative needs to come each day during drying for about 30 minutes to monitor the drying process and make necessary adjustments to the equipment. On the initial visit to your home or business your company representative will attempt to establish a way for this to be accomplished so as not to inconvenience you.